REFORM OF THE MENTAL HEALTH ACT 1983

That this House recognises the need to reform the Mental Health Act 1983, which is not based on the modern pattern of provision of mental health services and is not compatible with the Human Rights Act 1998; shares the misgivings of the Mental Health Alliance regarding the Government's current proposals for reform; believes that the primary purpose of mental health legislation should be to provide a proper framework for the care, treatment and safety of people who are seriously unwell; and calls for legislation that ensures that compulsory treatment is only ever used as a last resort, that service users and their carers are able to access support when they need it, that addresses the disproportionate representation of black and minority ethnic groups within the mental health system and that is based on the expectations of 21st century healthcare that it be patient-centred and reflect the needs of carers and relatives.